Drink cooling apparatus



4 1941. N. D. PATTERSON 2,261,276

DBINK COOLING APPARATUS Filed June 24, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Nov.- 4, 1941. N, D, PATTERSON 2,261,276

DRINK COOLING APPARATUS Filed June 24, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 55 {fig/ 4] I13 13 41 1-; l /:I fi F 3 I I: 55 I E 45 f a I I l I Q l ATTORNEY Pa tented Nov. 4', 1941 .NHTED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,261,276 I DRINK OOOLINGAAPPARATUS Norman 1). Patterson, Pittsburgh, Pa. Application June 24, 1939, Serial No. 280,980

'1 Claims. (or. 62-149) This invention pertains to a drink cooling apparatus, and more particularly, to a compact cooling apparatus for drinks of a type that may be conveniently mounted on a soda fountain counter or shelf.

I have found that the sale of drinks such as tomato juice, milk, orange juice, etc., can be very materially increased by displaying the particular juices or fluids in an attractive container of a type that may be conveniently positioned in plain view of customers. For this reason, I prefer to use containers that are at least partially transparent and can be conveniently made from suitable transparent material such as glass.

. An object of the present invention has been to provide a new and improved form of apparatus or device of the type above-mentioned.

Another object of my invention has been to provide a dispenser container or device having a high efliciency and/or effectiveness of cooling action. A further object has been to provide a cooling device having a cooling unit that can be employed to suitably agitate the fluids or liquids being cooled.

These and many other objects of my invention will appear to those skilled in the art from the drawings, the description of the illustratedembodiments, and from the claims.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a central vertical sectional View of a cooling device with portions thereof suitably sectioned;

Figure 2 is a perspective view in elevation of a cooling element of the device or apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 showing a modified form of construction;

Figure 4 is a top plan fragment taken along the line IVIV of Figure 3 showing a detail of the device of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the cooling element of the device or apparatus of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view showing a portion of a container broken away and a modified form of cooler element that may be employed in connection with the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a sectional view similar to Figures 1 and 3 showing a fragment of a modified form;

Figure 8 is a fragment in plan showing a detail of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 but showing a modified construction;

Figure 10 is a view showing a cover member;

Figure 11 is a contracted top plan view of a. detail of Figure 9; and

Figures 12, 13, and 14 are vertical sections showing positioning and enclosing structure for an'article such as shown in Figure 9.

Insofar as practical, for the purpose of simpli fying the description of the invention, I have indicated similar parts by similar numerical designations. Modified parts are indicated by prime suffixes. I ,In. the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 1, l0 represents a somewhat barrel or rounded-like glass or transparent container having a suitable valve faucet H adjacent a lower end thereof for removing cooled liquids, and a circular or annular-like rim l2 adjacent a top edge thereof. A cooler element I3 preferably of some suitable metal such as aluminum is provided with alower cylindrical-like portion and an upper, outwardly-convexly-bulging curved portion that terminates in a substantially outwardly curved, flange M. The flange l4 rests upon a bead, bearing flange, or edge l2 of the container. and permits the cooling element 13 to be turned relatively thereto. For this purpose, a handle bracket or transverse piece 15' is secured to and extends across between opposite side edge portions of the upper end of the cooler I3.

It will be noted that the cooling element l3.is shaped in such a manner that the greater portion of the ice is concentrated adjacent the upper portion of the, container I0; I have found this to be the most eflicient arrangement from a heat transfer or thermal standpoint. That is,'hot fluids or liquids normally tend to move towards the upper portion of a container and the cooler portion of the liquids toward the lower portion of the container. It is also, apparent that the ice as it melts will form water and collect in the lower or cylinder portion of the element l3 where the cooling action need not be so great, due in effect, to the above explained stratification of the liquid being cooled in the container.

vanes I6. A rotation of'the element I3 thus- Figure 3, I have provided a modified form of lid 11 having a suitable motor l8 mountedthereon. The motor l8, including the lid, is pivotally connected to a suitable rigid support l9bya hinge or toggle joint 23 in such a manner that it may be swung above the container. A latch element 2| cooperates with arm l9 and an arm l9' on the motor adjacent the pivot for locking them imposition with respect to each other when the motor is in an operating relationship with respect to the cooling device. To thus prevent'the motor from rising and becoming disconnected with the cooling device, a motor shaft 22 having a quadrant or other suitable form of interlock end is adapted to engage with a substantially similarly-shaped complementary portion of the transverse bracket l5' of cooling element l3. Also there is provided means to prevent rotary movement of the cover when the motor is driving said means comprising lugs 28 on the container which engage notches in the cover IT.

The cooling element I3 is preferably mounted in such a manner that its flange l4 fits within anannular bead portion l2 of the container l0 and upon an inner race, bearing, or lip portion thereof. The connection 2829 (see Fig. 8) supports the motor upon the top bead of the vessel iii without interfering with the rotation of the cooler element 3. The cooling element I3 of Figure 3 has a stud or a pivotal bearing 30 at its bottom end adapted to seat in a bearing 3| of the container Ill. The motor shaft and the pivotal bearing being in axial alignment of the cooling element, positions the cooling element cantraliyof the combination, avoiding contact with the side Walls of the container 10.

. In the modified form of container [3 shownin Figure 6, I have provided a propeller shaft 24 having a propeller extending from the lower cylindrical end thereof and suitably journaled within bearings 26 and 21. The shaft 24 is preferably cut out or grooved with a drill-like groove in such a manner as to agitate the ice during its rotation. The propeller 25, of course, will take the place of the blades 16 of the construction shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and will not only prevent coagulation adjacent the bottom of the container, but will also prevent excessive stratificatio'n of the liquid.

It will be apparent that suitable bearings or bearing .rings or washers may be interposed between the upper flanges [4 or M of the cooler element 13 and the mouth or annulus-portions of the container I0. For example, as shown in Figure '7, an annular ring or flange 14"" may be provided with a series of spaced-apart rollers '32 mounted therealong and adapted to roll in a race way of the container wall l2". Any othermechanical expedients may be employed in this connection since such features are not a part of the present invention.

Anysuitable cooling agency such as ice or dry ice is employed in the cooling element l3. However, a freezing unit of the electrical or chemical type may also be employed; for small installations, however, the latter type of freezing unit is somewhat impractical.

In the modified construction of my invention shown particularly in Figures 911, inclusive, a vessel 33 of glass, ceramic or other suitable material, has been provided with a spigot 34 for dispensing the palatable liquids. The ice or other cooling material is placed in a centrallydisp'osed cooling element 53 of aluminum metal or other suitable similar material having a transversely-positioned handle bracket 54 secured thereto in a manner similar to the bracket l5 of the previously described embodiments. A concentric agitator cylinder or element 38 is positioned about the cooling element 53 and is provided with suitable vertically and outwardly ex- 5 tending agitator fins or ribs 39.

As shown particularly in Figures 9 and 11, the agitator element 'or cylinder 38 is preferably provided with'a "pair of outwardly extending pins 40. These pins maybe weld fornied to'extend radially outwardly from Wall portions 'of the agitator element 38 or may be threaded, rivet-connected or secure'd'in any other suitable manner.

The "container is provided with an inwardlyextending cover flange -4! of inetal or other suitable material that is mounted over the annular lip portions thereof and'is slotted to by-pass the pin-like portions 4B. In like manner, a centrally disposed cover member 42 having a handle portien 43 secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom is slotted at 44, see Figure 10, to receive the pins 4!]. element 38 may be turne'd by rotating the handle 43.

To increase theefli'ciency of thermal conductioii, as shown 'in Figural), I preferably provide a suitable fluid between the concentric walls of the cooler element 53 and the agitator element 38.

In Figure '12, I have sh'own'a stand 58 of metal or other suitable material such'as spun aluminum having an upwardly positioned and outwardly extending flange portion 59 for receiving and supporting the bottom of the container 33.

Ih'Figurcs 13"and 14, I have shown th'e'container 33p'rovidedwith an opaque or metal cover plate 45 for concealing the liquids being dispensed. This cover member 45 cooperates with a secondary, outwardly and upwardly'divergent flange portion '60, see Figure '14, 'in a specially designed type of stand 58. It will thus be seen that the entire unit can be readily assembled and disassembled.

Although for the purposes of illustration, I have described several forms of my invention, it will 'beapparent 'to those skilled in the art that many'r'nodificatio'ns,adaptations, omissions, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as indicated'by the-appended claims.

I claim:

In a 'de'vice for dispensing cooled liquids, a container body adapted to receive the liquid to bedispensed a cooling element operably positioned and extending within said 'c'ohtainer bod agitator means extendingtl'irough said -cooling element into the iiquid'in saidbody 'portiomand I'n'ot'ive "means 'operably associated with said agitator means for actuating it.

2. Ina device for dispensing cooled liquids, a container body portion adapted to receive the liquid to be dispensed-weeding element adapted to be 'operabiypositiohd within said container In this manner, the agitator I body, and means operably disposed within said container body for agitating the liquid to be dispensed, said agitating means comprising a vessellike element disposed about said cooling element and within said container body, and thermal transfermeans disposed between said cooling element and said agitating means. I

3. In a device for dispensing cooled liquids, a container body having substantiallycontinuous bottom and side portions, the side portions extending upwardly and terminating in an openmouth top portion, said open-mouth portion having a substantially annular rim thereabout, said container body being adapted to receive the liquid to be dispensed; a second container body adapted to receive cooling materials such as ice therein, said second container body being positioned in said container and extending upwardly therewithin towards the open-mouth top portion of and in a spaced relation to the side portions of said first-mentioned container body, said second container body having substantially continuous bottom and side portions, said side portions terminating in an open-mouth top portion, said last-mentioned open-mouth top portion having a substantially annular flange thereabout and extending outwardly therefrom towards said first-mentioned container body; said annular flange being turnably positioned on and suspended from an upper face portion of said annular rim for movement thereabout, and means associated with said second container body for turning it with respect to said first-mentioned container body.

4. In a device for dispensing cooled liquids, a container body adapted to receive the liquid to be dispensed, said container body having bottom and side portions, the side portions extending upwardly and terminating in an open-mouth top portion; a second container body adapted to receive the cooling material such as ice, said second container body being operably positioned within said first-mentioned container body and extending upwardly therewithin towards the openmouth top portion of and in a substantially spaced relation to the side portions of said firstmentioned container body, said second container body having substantially continuous top and side portions, said last-mentioned side portions extending upwardly and terminating in an openmouth portion, said last-mentioned open mouth portion having a substantially annular flange thereabout and extending outwardly therefrom;

I said first-mentioned open-mouth portion having a substantially annular rim extending thereabout to provide an upper bearing face adapted to receive said annular flange portion, said annular I flange portion being turnably positioned on and suspended from the upper bearing face of said annular rim portion for turnable movement thereabout, means associated with said secondmentioned container body for turning it in the manner set forth, and a lid having a flange extending thereabout and cooperating with said annular rim and annular flange portions for closing off both of said containers.

5. In a device for dispensing cooled liquids, a

' container body adapted to receive the liquid to be dispensed, said container body having bottom and side portions, said side portions extending upwardly to provide an open-mouth top portion; a cooling container body adapted to be positioned in said first-mentioned container body and to extend upwardly in a substantially spaced relationship therewithin, said cooling container body mouth top portion of said cooling container body having a substantially annular flange thereabout and extending therefrom, said annular flange beingturnably positioned on an upper face of said annular rim for suspending said cooling container body within said first-mentioned container body, means associated with said cooling container body;for turning it'with' respect to said firstmentioned body; the side portions of said cooling container being substantially cylindrical in form adjacent a lower half thereof and bulging upwardly therefrom towards the mouth portion thereof and towards said annular rim, so that the amount of cooling material and conducting surface provided by the side walls of said cooling container will be proportioned substantially in accordance with the relative coolness of various levels of the liquid to be dispensed.

6. In a device for dispensing cooled liquids, a container body adapted to receive the liquid to be dispensed, said container body having bottom and side wall portions, said wall portions extending upwardly to provide an open-mouth top portion; a cooling container body adapted tobe positioned in said first-mentioned container body and to extend upwardly in a substantially spaced relationship therewithin, said cooling container body having substantially continuous bottom and side wall portions terminating in an open-mouth top portion; the openmouth top portion of said first-mentioned container body having a substantially annular rim extending thereabout, the open-mouth top portion of said cooling container body having a substantially annular flange thereabout and extending therefrom, said annular flange being turnably positioned on an upper face of said annular rim for suspending said cooling container body within said first-mentioned container body, means associated with said cooling container body for turning it with respect to said firstmentioned body; the side portions of said cooling container being substantially cylindrical in form adjacent a lower half thereof and bulging upwardly therefrom towards the open-mouth top portion thereof and towards said annular rim, so that the amount of cooling material and conducting surface of the side wall portions of said cooling container will be proportioned substantially in accordance with the relative coolness of various levels of such liquid; and agitator blades extending vertically upwardly from adjacent the bottom portion of said cooling liquid container and radially outwardly from the cylindrical side wall portions of said cooling container for stirring up liquids adjacent a bottom portion of said first-mentioned container when said cooling container is being turned thereabout, to thereby present a settling of heavier materials contained in the liquid to be dispensed.

7. In a device for dispensing cooled liquids, a container body adapted to receive the liquid to be dispensed, said container body having bottom and side portions, the side portions extending upwardly and terminating in an open-mouth top portion; a second container body adapted to receive the cooling material such as ice, said second container body being operably positioned within said first-mentioned container body and extending upwardly therewithin towards the open-mouth top portion of and in a substantially spaced relation to the side portions of said firstmentioned container body, said second container body having substantially continuous top and side portions, said last-mentioned side portions extending upwardly and terminating in an openmouth portion, said last-mentioned open mouth portion having a substantially annular flange thereabout and extending outwardly therefrom; said first-mentioned open-mouth portion having a substantially annular rim extending thereabout to provide an upper bearing face adapted to receive said annular flange portion, said annular flange portion being turnably positioned on and suspended from the upper bearing face of said annular rim portion for turnable movement thereabout, means associated with said second-mentioned container body for turning it in the manner set forth, a lid having a flange extending thereabout and cooperating with said annular rim and annular flange portions for closing off both of said containers, a motor operably positioned on said lid and extending therethrough to actuate said second-mentioned container body, and means associated with said lid and with said first-mentioned container body for preventing ;a rotation of said lid with said second-mentioned container body.

NORMAN D. PATTERSON. 

